What happens when the worlds of animation and fine art collide? This week on the NOT REAL ART podcast, host Scott "Sourdough" Power sits down with the talented Bob Boyle, an Emmy Award-winning animation creator whose work spans Disney to Netflix.
In today’s episode, Bob dives into the fascinating connections and contrasts between animation and visual art. Drawing from his vast experience, he shares how his journey in animation has enriched his artistic expression, turning complex ideas into vivid, memorable visuals. But it’s not just about creating art; it’s about fostering community. Bob recounts heartwarming stories from art fairs and discusses his inspiring initiative, “art drops,” where he anonymously distributes original pieces in public spaces, sparking dialogue and connection among strangers.
Throughout the conversation, Bob emphasizes the idea that art has the incredible power to transcend boundaries and unite people from all walks of life. His pieces, which he refers to as “hieroglyphs for the soul,” explore the struggles of the human spirit, resonating with anyone seeking clarity and hope amid life's chaos.
Quotes From This Episode
“I was always the kid who drew in class when I should have been studying. You know that classic story. I wanted to be an athlete as a kid. I wanted to be a football player. Then that clearly was not going to be the path.” — Bob Boyle [11:22]
“I think animation is all about clarity and distilling things down to a really simple idea and communicating that in a very quick, clear way. That's kind of what I'm trying to do with the symbols and the figurative symbols in my work, is try to do that with a bit of mystery.” — Bob Boyle [16:00]
“I think inspiration comes when your mind turns off in a way. Running does that, you know, same as being in a shower. Everybody gets great ideas in the shower when you kind of turn off your brain.” — Bob Boyle [32:50]
Links Mentioned in This Episode
About Bob Boyle
Bob Boyle is an Emmy Award-winning animation creator and producer with an impressive portfolio that includes work for Disney, Nickelodeon, Netflix, Cartoon Network, and Sesame Street. While he loves crafting enchanting cartoons for children, Bob is equally passionate about exploring deeper themes in his art, focusing on personal humanity and purpose. In his artist statement, he shares his belief that in an increasingly chaotic world, art can provide clarity and hope. He views each piece as a visual narrative that reflects the struggles of the human spirit, encouraging viewers to find connection and solace in shared experiences of adversity. Bob's work is deeply influenced by his upbringing and the Finnish concept of SISU, which represents determination and resilience. This spirit, combined with the Japanese proverb "Fall down seven times, get up eight," shapes the resilient themes found throughout his creations.